ISLAMABAD: Leading Afghan women’s group urged Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar not to forget their plight as she visited Kabul yesterday to discuss relations with country’s Taliban rulers.

Trip by Khar comes weeks after Taliban imposed new restrictions on Afghan women, barring them from parks, fun fairs, gyms and public baths. UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan said that Taliban restrictions on women and girls could amount to a “crime against humanity”. “You serve as an example of status of women in our neighbouring country,” Afghan Women’s Network, representing several activist groups said in an open letter to Khar. “We call on you to use your visit not only as a minister but as woman and as Muslim woman leader to support women of Afghanistan and strengthen our solidarity.” Minister also met delegation from Women’s Chamber of Commerce, where she expressed keen interest in strengthening linkages between entrepreneurs of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

No country has recognised Taliban government and visits by foreign diplomats let alone high-profile women are rare. Khar is in Kabul, leading high-level delegation of Pakistani officials to meet Afghan government officials during day’s visit. Bilateral talks came after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ended months-long ceasefire with Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 30 2022

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